Since taking office, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te has made strengthening ties with the United States a top priority. His moves include high-profile meetings and public statements signaling a clear shift toward Washington, hoping to secure more robust backing.
Experts say Lai's strategy reflects more than diplomacy—it's a bid to fuel Taiwan's security in the face of rising regional tensions. Yet, some analysts question whether this close alignment could backfire. Historically, U.S. policy on Taiwan has hinged on "strategic ambiguity," keeping Beijing guessing about America's response if conflict erupts.
John Bolton, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, has even suggested using Taiwan as a diplomatic lever. In a recent article, he outlined steps from receiving Taiwan's diplomats in Washington to restoring formal relations—tactics aimed at pressuring the Chinese mainland at the negotiating table.
For Lai, the payoff could be stronger deterrence. For the U.S., Taiwan represents a valuable bargaining chip in broader U.S.-China relations. And for young global citizens, these developments raise critical questions: How far will Washington go to defend the island? And at what cost to cross-strait ties?
As Taiwan charts its own course, the island's future may hinge on balancing aspirations for greater autonomy with the realities of superpower dynamics.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
